Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
SETTLED
Joshua 22:1–8
Throughout the book of Joshua, God’s provision of the Promised Land has been the focus. First the Israelites gained a foothold in entering the land. Their military campaigns focused on taking possession of the land in the central region, the south and the north. When they failed to obey God, they suffered casualties. When they failed to seek the Lord, they entered into a treaty with inhabitants of the land. Once they were established, they divided the land for inheritance in keeping with Moses’ plans (Num. 33:50–34:29). Finally the land was settled and the elders were given responsibility for overseeing their tribes. This week’s lesson deals with the transitional period between dividing the land and settling into their inheritance.
A Promise Kept (1–3)
Israelites from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh had made arrangements with Moses to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River (Num. 34:13–15). In order to receive their inheritance, however, these tribes were responsible to send their military personnel to fight alongside the rest of the Israelite army to take possession of the Promised Land. After the death of Moses, Joshua promised the tribes that their wives and families could remain east of the Jordan, and their men could join them once the land west of the Jordan had been seized (Josh. 1:12–15).
This passage picks up after the war was over. Men who survived the military campaigns were allowed to return to their inheritance. Joshua promised their return and they promised to fight for the land. All parties kept their promises, so the Reubenites, Gadites and Manassites returned to their homes.
An Ongoing Responsibility (4–5)
Their military duties were over but their accountability to God was not. Joshua reminded the Israelite soldiers to love God, just as Moses taught them in the Shema (Deut. 6:5). They were instructed to walk in God’s ways, according to the law. They were to keep the commandments and to teach them to their families. They were to remain faithful to the Lord in all that He called them to do. Finally they were to serve God fully, “with all your heart and with all your soul,” much like we read throughout Deuteronomy (4:29; 6:5; 10:12; 11:13; 13:3; 26:16; 30:2, 6, 10).
To walk in covenant with God, we are called to develop an ongoing relationship. Jesus calls us to abide in Him, and these instructions provide specific ways to mature in our spiritual fellowship with Him. By abiding in Him, we bear fruit that brings glory to the Father (John 15:1–8).
A Welcomed Blessing (6–8)
In addition to his spiritual instructions, Joshua also blessed these men with spoils of war. Not only were they recipients of material blessings, but they also were challenged by Joshua to be generous in their giving to others: “Return to your homes and great wealth. … Share the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.”
Keep in mind that there were exemptions from military duty, men with whom the soldiers could share their spoils. Young men under 20 years old did not serve nor did men who had been married less than one year. Unlike the Levites, where men served actively between the ages of 30 to 50 (see Num. 4), there was no upper age limit for capable men (14:10–15). ß MW asking author about book of the Bible.
As we begin this new year, let us take to heart that God keeps His promises, that God expects us to abide in Christ and that God blesses us so that we can bless others with the gospel.
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